Momentum for an off-leash recreational area in West Somerville has been building ever since Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz introduced a Board order that "that this Board requests that the Administration work with the Ward 6 Alderman on locations for an Off Leash Recreation Area for dogs and if necessary, to create a Task Force to advise the city."

This week the Boston Globe observes

One small agenda item at a Somerville November Board of Aldermen meeting—to consider a dog park in West Somerville—has sparked a flurry of activity among Somerville dog lovers ("Somerville considers dog park" by Danielle Dreilinger).

There were seven letters in support of off-leash recreation in West Somerville on the agenda for the Board of Aldermen (BOA) meeting for February 11, 2010!

The BOA Special Committee on Parks and Open Space will be discussing the issue of an OLRA in west Somerville at its next meeting, Monday, February 22, at 7pm at City Hall on the second floor. Alderman Gewirtz, who chairs the committee, invites dog owners to attend the meeting. The committee also comprises Alderman Maryann Heuston (Ward Two) and Alderman Sean O'Donovan (Ward Five). City staff will be on hand to discuss the issue as well.

This is not a public hearing—the public does not have an opportunity to comment—but the Parks and Open Space Meeting is an important opportunity for us to demonstrate to our elected representatives our commitment to this issue.

Please come to the meeting and help support safe and legal options for off-leash recreation in West Somerville!